Revamped libraries’ plan is approved (From York Press)

Revamped libraries’ plan is approved

8:33am Wednesday 15th June 2011 in News

NEW plans for the future of North Yorkshire’s libraries have been given the go-ahead.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive has approved keeping facilities open in “key” locations, such as Selby, Malton and Norton and Pickering, but with fewer staff and reduced opening times.

Libraries in smaller towns such as Easingwold, Helmsley and Tadcaster would receive council support towards accommodation, stock and IT facilities and some local authority staff, but be run in partnership with community groups. Mobile libraries will be axed from the end of September, but the “supermobile” service will continue.

The council needs to cut its library budget by £1.7 million, but original plans which involved the potential closure of some facilities were heavily criticised. A further report to the executive in October will detail the outcome of talks with community groups and how a further £1 million can be saved in 2012/13 and 2013/14.

Coun Chris Metcalfe, executive member for the library and information service, said: “The support of our communities is essential if we are to be successful. The challenge is to keep our libraries open in a sustainable way so they can grow and develop to meet future needs. One size does not fit all and we will be working with communities on a library-by-library basis.”